From the rise of Sonny Gray to the re-emergence of Justin Verlander, there are all sorts of reasons why non-contending clubs like the Oakland Athletics and Detroit Tigers should look forward to next season.
The first step in compiling this list of reasons for optimism was to figure out just which teams qualify as "contenders" and "non-contenders." Since only five clubs have been mathematically eliminated from the postseason chase, judgement calls had to be made.
The American League wild-card race presented a particular challenge because the Tigers and the Athletics are the only two teams more than seven games off the second spot.